TNAG-1548-FCO40-2112-Future-of-the-Hong-Kong-public-service-1986 — Page 79

8

L.P.

J.W.M.

M.R.

L.P.

dcelging

around in 1990 let alone 1997.

There is a desire

to work for a prosperous and stable Hong Kong both

before and after 1997 and we hope to have the

opportunity to stay in Hong Kong to do that.

Proceeding from the policy of the Chinese Government

we hope overseas civil servants will work for the

long term with easy minds. Our policy is not to

exclude overseas civil servants. As for the work

of the HK SAR Government it is also necessary to have their expertise. This is clearly and explicitly stated in the Joint Declaration Policy. They will be employed in their individual capacities and responsible

to HK Government. Under such circumstances we would

welcome them to work on a long term basis judging from the percentages 98% local and 2% overseas.

The % of overseas officers is less than 2% and it's

getting smaller.

It's actually around 1.6% at the moment.

whatever, it is not excessive and I would expect a figure of around that order for many years to come. Of course there is the question of localisation but

this should not affect the morale of overseas civil

servants. We must consider a proper solution for this question. We do not wish to see overseas civil servants concerned and have only short term plans not long term plans. I think it depends on the British

Hong Kong Government. You should talk to them.